National Museum of Cambodia

The National Museum of Cambodia is the country’s largest archeological and cultural history museum. It enables you to have a glimpse into the cultural side of Cambodian history dating back to the 4th century. Inaugurated in 1920 as the Musée Albert Sarraut during the French colonial period, its opening was initiated by George Groslier – a famed author and historian – and architect as well as the first curator of the museum.

Housed within an impressive red sandstone structure, The National Museum of Cambodia stands out as a fine illustration of the traditional Khmer architecture. With over 14,000 interesting exhibits to its credit, the museum is truly a treasure trove of artifacts portraying Khmer or Angkorian culture and history. Its exhibits comprising bronze/wood sculptures, ceramic items, ethnographic items and stone articles are categorized into four brackets: prehistoric, pre-Angkor, Angkor and post-Angkor exhibits.

One of its most spectacular exhibits is the eight-armed statue of Lord Vishnu that dates back to the 6th century. Another remarkable attraction is the image of King Jayavarman VII in a meditation posture that can be seen in the West Gallery displaying art works from Angkor Wat. Visit the museum’s Bronze Gallery to take a peep into bronze-casting methods practiced during the Angkorian period from the 6th to 13th centuries. Found next to the Bronze Gallery is a rare repository of post-Angkorian era Buddha images. There is also a gallery that exhibits a selection of sandstone sculptures dating back to the 6th century.